Pinellas County staff recommend aligning local fireworks rules with state holidays, propose ordinance cleanup

Jude Reason, Pinellas County housing official who oversees code enforcement, presented an administrative comparison of Pinellas County—s fireworks rules and neighboring counties and recommended the commission consider bringing county rules into alignment with state law.

Reason said Florida Statutes chapter 791 allows private ignitions on three designated days (New Year—s Eve, New Year—s Day and Independence Day) and provides limited exemptions, but Pinellas County Code (Chapter 62, Article 4) requires permits for anyone to ignite fireworks on those days. "Pinellas County requires a permit for anyone to ignite a firework on any of those days," Reason told the commission, adding that local practice shows the permitting requirement is rarely enforced.

Reason flagged an internal contradiction between the county fireworks ordinance and the county noise ordinance (section 58‑4.45), and recommended staff update definitions, remove contradictory permit language for the three state holidays, and coordinate any changes with local fire control districts and the county attorney. He also recommended an educational safety campaign at point of sale and review of permitting practices for public displays and temporary retail tents.

Several commissioners said simplifying local rules to match state law would reduce confusion, while others urged keeping safety and storage controls and making it easier for businesses to sell fireworks. Reason told the commission staff will return with refined options and legal research if the commission wants to proceed.